PLOT: Thanks to a freak accident, Frank Bannister is able to “see dead people”. So of course, he uses this gift to run a paranormal investigator service that actually scams people because he actually is in cahoots with the ghosts! However, things get hairy when people begin dying of strange, yet seemingly natural causes within his town. Certain that Death himself has descended upon his community, Frank tries to put things right, but ends up becoming the main suspect!

REVIEW: By now, I hope you all know that the great Peter Jackson (yes, Lord of the Rings Peter Jackson) wrote and directed this flick. If you are into great comedy mixing in with your scary movie screams, then prepare for one fun ride with The Frighteners. Jackson’s typical eye for breathtaking visuals and sly humor are evident throughout the running time. It also helps that he’s got Michael J. Fox as his lead because the man is just a natural in front of the camera and delivers a fantastic performance. You’ll also find some great turns by Dee Wallace Stone, John Astin, Chi McBride, and Trini Alvarado. And I’d be remiss not to mention the tour de force in weird given by genre thespian Jeffrey Combs. He is a f*cking riot!

Since this is coming from master craftsman, Peter Jackson, The Frighteners is equipped with a tight little story that rings truer with each subsequent viewing. The first time I saw it, I remember thinking it started off kind of slow, but that was only to set up the characters and situations, which then leads to one hell of a fun second half. The mystery behind the killings in the town and the manner with which Bannister and his team attempt to resolve it has the vibe of vintage horror and it really works so well. Plus, the entire movie is engulfed in another fantastically creepy score by Danny Elfman. This is top notch entertainment and ideal viewing for a dark evening in October.

BEST TNA SCENE: Although Trini Alvarado is quite cute, nudity is not on The Frighteners agenda. Boo.

BEST GORE BIT: Surprisingly, the gore level isn’t very high here. The R rating almost isn’t necessary. But I suppose a fast gunshot blast to someone’s head takes the gore cake.

Peter Jackson set up a huge F/X studio to work on The Frighteners. When the movie was finished, he had all this great F/X technology just sitting around. That is was inspired him to begin setting up his Lord of the Rings films.